I sold my 03 Evo last april and got my 05 Honda Accord Hybrid, but in all honesty it was too much of a change for me and I'm thinking about switching to something else in the next few months. The new IS350 really has my attention. It seems to have alot of things that I like for just over the price of a new MR including

IS Video Gallery

1. Bi-Xenon adaptive front lighting
For better night-driving visibility, especially on winding roads, the available Adaptive Front Lighting System helps you see deeper into curves and farther around corners. The left beam can swivel from 0 to 15 degrees in a left turn, while the right beam can swivel from 0 to 5 degrees in a right turn.
2. Dynamic Radar Cruise control
Not only does the available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control [3] maintain your selected speed, its millimeter-wave radar also maintains a pre-set following distance from the car traveling in front of you.
3. Intuitive parking assist
-The available Intuitive Parking Assist utilizes ultrasonic sensors to aid you during those tough parking situations. As you begin to park, a visual representation of your car appears on the LCD screen showing your distance to the nearest object.
4. Heated/Ventilated front seats
On especially hot or cold days, you’ll be thankful you opted for ventilated front seats, which either provide heat or circulate air through the perforated leather trim.
5. Sound absorbing front sun visors
Specially designed to absorb exterior noise pollution inside the cabin, these ingenious sun visors are the first of their kind.
6. 306 Hp
7. Paddle shifters (6 speed)
8. 0-60 in 5.5 seconds and the quarer mile in 13.9@104mph

 

I saw one monday they look good

 

I drove one a few weeks ago...you can't argue with that power. It drives great, has plenty of get up and go, and will have that Lexus build quality. The only thing that stinks is you can only get the AWD with the smaller engine.

Overall, awesome ride!

 

5.5 might be a Porsche type of statement because the magazines have done quicker times too. Great car for the $$$, the best at that price point IMO.

Rumors if IS500 are out there already too.

 

Great car. The only thing that would concern me is that with taxes and even some basic add ons, this has got to be close to $40,000. I could never spend that much on a car!

 

Yeah your right about that. I'm hoping to pick one up after they have been out a few months so I can get a low mileage one that has already taken the off-the-lot depreciation hit.

 

i considered one until i read they're not offering a stick. i just can't do automatics, with or without the paddles.

 

They are much nicer in real life, man i wouldn't mind having one

 

I drove one expecting not to like it w/ the auto and all and I have to say that I am VERY impressed. The car was downright quick, even w/ the autodog. Interior was very nice as well and the one I drove was somewhat of a stripped at $35k...but you couldn't tell it at all.

If/when I sell the Evo, it'll either be a used M3 or the IS350.

 

So the dealers are letting people test drive the IS350's? That is good news! After getting the EVO in past and not being able to test drive it first, I don't want to deal with that again.

 

what is the invoice/msrp price on one of these cars

 

I'm so impressed by the new IS350. I would pick one up in a heart beat. But IS's are like civics, they are EVERYWHERE, and i am sure it will be no different with the 350.

I thought i heard they come in 6-speed?

 

^^^I see one or 2 a month if I'm lucky

 

I'm trying to talk my mother into getting one....

 

+1......I may be looking at these too but only the IS250 because of just this very issue.....I need a "true" manual tranny.......and paddle shifted slushbox is still a slushbox....sloppy, slow, and painful.